As expected, we are finally seeing a few more fishable days. With a drop in the swell mid-week, a few boats made the bar crossing with ease.
For many anglers the weather has kept them grounded but next week is shaping up to have light winds and swell so keep a watchful eye out!
Offshore, the continued run of quality reef fish continues with catches consisting of pearlies, snapper, cod, sweetlip, cobia and tuskies. For most bait anglers using pilchard and squid baits on twin hook paternoster rigs are getting most of the fish. For lure anglers, a simple 5-inch minnow style soft plastic on ¾ oz jig heads and 30lb leader will help get the bites. Check out the Power bait power jerk shad for the perfect baitfish profile especially around Sunshine Reef wide and North Reef.
Things should start to clear up next week as we leave the spring tides behind.
With the bigger tidal range gone we should start to see the dirty water getting flushed out. The predicted drop in wind and swell will see things really improve.
If heading offshore make sure you have a rod rigged up with a slug as the tuna can pop up in a second’s notice and be gone. Try using 20lb outfits for tuna and smaller 20g gram slugs with the TT hardcore a consistent performer. This is the time we start to see longtail tuna so be prepared.
The river has been fishing well for those targeting flathead and whiting. Much like the ocean clearing up, the river will be starting to clean up. This will only improve the fishing and the fish will start to feed heavily. Bait anglers will find pilchards, whitebait and prawn baits will work the best on flathead with worm and squid for whiting. Keep your lines no more than 8-10lb and always cast up current for the best presentation.
Reports have been limited upriver and this should start to improve in the coming week with no rain forecast. Always ensure you have your sounder running in side or down view to pick fish from trees as there is likely to be a lot of debris around. Trolling smaller minnow style lures will work well on jacks and trevally with bigger sow rolled soft plastics loaded with scent like the new gulp gel for jewies. If you are catching catfish the river is still too fresh and its time to head back toward the mouth of Cooroibah of the ski run.
The freshwater dams have just opened again after weeks of closures. The waters are still dirty and the amount of water that spilled over will mean you are going to have to work hard to find the fish as many have now moved. Keep sounders in low frequency as bass do not like high settings and try ZX blades, TN vibes and Hot Bite spoons. Use 2-3 inch paddle tails and fish areas that get the most sun as the temps dropped during the rains. Don’t forget to get a SIPS permit online before you fish the local dams and keep an eye out while on the water as there could be floating branches.
Now for all the latest information log onto fishingnoosa.com.au for up-to-date bar and fishing reports, don’t forget to drop into Tackle World Noosa, Noosa Boating and Outdoors and Northshore Bait & Tackle in Marcoola for all the right equipment, bait and advice to get you catching. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and remember Tight Lines and Bent Spines!
